Dyche rues lenient referee

Chris Boden

Clarets boss Sean Dyche pointed to the decision not to dismiss Preston wing back Marnick Vermijl as key in his side's derby loss against Preston.

Vermijl, on loan from Sheffield Wednesday, was on a booking when he impeded Ben Mee with the game goalless in the second half.

But referee Kevin Friend showed great leniency to Vermijl, and Preston went on to win 2-0 with goals from Michael Keane's twin brother Will and Daniel Johnson.

Dyche said: "We did enough for a win that's for sure.

"The obvious sign is their keeper was man of the match so that's a sign you've been productive.

"We've got to punish teams when we created as many chances as we did today.

"On top of that we conceded a really soft goal the first goal, and how on earth we haven't had a second sending off in two weeks I have no idea. I'm scratching my head over that one. We have to go with what the referees are allegedly debating.

"I must make it clear that we had more than enough chances to take care of the business ourselves but it would have been helpful if the right decision was given."

North End were well-organised, and took their chances, and Dyche added: "They have been trying to get clean sheets for a long time, they stayed in it by hook or crook.

"The second was a good goal from their point of view, the first was poor from us we gave it away far too cheaply.

"If we keep creating that many chances though we will win plenty of matches that's for sure.

"Inthought we started unbelievably well, the best first 25 minutes we've had probably all season, we were totally dominant with the ball and we really had them on the back foot, we had so many really good chances in that early spell.

"We've been really productive but we have to keep the back door shut and you have to get decisions go your way and we didn't get that. But eventually it comes down to you and we just weren't clinical."